Trick or Treat! Your Guide to Halloween 2018

It’s time for scary, silly and all kinds of costumes in all corners of our community. Here are a few things to know about Halloween in Fairfax County.

🎃 When is Trick-or-Treating?

Some communities, cities and counties designate a day other than Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating. Fairfax County Government does NOT set a different date. Halloween is Wednesday, Oct. 31. Your homeowners association or apartment complex may set times for events, but neighborhood trick-or-treating is generally the evening of Oct. 31.

🎃 Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Children should only visit homes that have their porch lights on or active Halloween decorations.

Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it — especially for any food allergies (some people use teal pumpkins to distribute allergy-free treats). When in doubt, throw it out.

Make sure children know their phone number and address — and they should be able to provide this information to a police officer in an emergency or if lost.

Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets (if possible). Cross streets only at the corner and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.

And when trick-or-treating, use battery-powered lights, keep your devices charged and pick a place to meet if you get lost.

🎃 Safe Costume Tips

Make sure trick-or-treaters can be seen by wearing something reflective or carrying a flashlight or glow stick.

Make sure your child’s Halloween costume is made with fire retardant materials and has eye holes large enough for your child to safely see out of.

The costume should be short enough so it doesn’t interfere with walking.

Consider using makeup on children’s faces instead of a mask to allow the child to see clearly.

👻 Safety Tips for Older Ghosts

PLEASE: Don’t speed or drive above the speed limit on Halloween (or any time!). Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas. This will give you time to brake if you see a child dart in front of you.

If you have pets, provide a safe, secure space during trick or treating time. Pets may not enjoy all of the noise, including ringing doorbells.

When giving candy, consider treats WITHOUT nuts and other common food allergens. Here are some quick Halloween food safety tips.

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“We’re taking the trick out of Halloween, as Nextdoor’s Treat Map allows neighbors to mark their home with a candy corn icon to let neighbors know they’ll be giving out candy. The Treat Map also lets neighbors plot haunted houses on the map, making trick-or-treaters everywhere know which houses to stop by for a spook-filled thrill!”